Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, developed over twenty years ago, have become a well-used tool in many different industries. Acting as a next-generation bar code, an RFID system consists of a small microchip and an antenna placed on a product that sends information a short distance via radio waves. Similar to a bar code, the RFID chip holds inventory information related to the product to which it is attached. An RFID-tagged product can be easily tracked as it moves through the various stages of commerce; but the distance the information is transmitted varies from direct contact to no more than several feet, which helps control who gets access to the data on the tag.

Currently, RFID is rarely used to store any personal information—it is used primarily for tracking warehouse information like retail or medical supply inventories. While it is possible to store personal information on an RFID chip, outside of the health care industry (hospital patient information, etc.) it is very rare to find an example where any personal information is encapsulated onto RFID chips. But privacy concerns have led several states to introduce legislation dictating the type of information RFID chips may contain, or limiting how this relatively new technology may be used.

In Olympia, a series of bills have been introduced to alleviate the privacy concerns regarding the possible abuse of using of personal information in connection with RFID chips. They are House Bills 1006, 1011 and 1044.

Read the full Legislative Memo here